What, you might reasonably ask, are Scottish Government officials doing discussing Brazilian Butt Lifts? And what connects that chat with a mobile “flying dental hygienist” operating in rural Perthshire?

The answer is cosmetics. Or, more accurately, the regulation of certain non-surgical treatments. Because, amid growing concern about botched Botox and dodgy dermal fillers, the Scottish Government is moving to better regulate those delivering a range of cosmetic and other procedures.

Our members working in the cosmetics industry get the need for this move, as they see the problem first hand. Clients turn up at their doors asking them to repair the results of ham-fisted treatments inflicted on them by unqualified practitioners.

Read more:

Consultation launched on improving cosmetic sector safety

So it’s in everyone’s interests that the reckless cowboys (and cowgirls) are rooted out. But, as we told the Scottish Government’s consultation on setting standards for such treatments the other week, this can’t be at the expense of pushing high-quality, responsible independent professionals out of the sector.

Because we know that crafting regulations can be a tricky........

© Herald Scotland